Wired to live; waiting for heaven

Wired to live; Waiting for heaven
21/06/2009

This morning the phone rang at about 7:30 and I knew what it was about before I took the call. We had been expecting this call for a few days now – but that didn’t make it any easier. The news was that a very dear person in the church family at Kings had… how do you put it?... died. This special lady, who has been a dear friend and an inspiration to many of us at Kings for over 20 years, died after a battle with cancer that had been going on for some time. Yet such was her resilience and confidence in God that all through that time, she just continued to exude joy, serve unstintingly and face each day with her trademark appetite for life! We shall miss her very much.

For me, Hazel found the right balance that I believe us Christians should have when facing the present and the future. Regarding the present, we have been wired by our Creator God to live life, enjoying the gift of life that He has given us, with enthusiasm and gratitude. As for the future, we have a great hope and therefore no need to be fearful, but we are not to have an unreal anticipation to depart this life before time.

My times are in your hands; Psalm 31:15

That’s why we do have a bit of a problem finding the right words to sum up what happens when a Christian breaths their last in this life, because death is no longer what it used to be. The New Testament writers got around it by using the expression: ‘… he fell asleep’ Acts 7:60, 13:36 etc. That’s quite a good way of saying it. Christians often speak of ‘going home’ which is a great way of putting it, but that can be confusing unless you explain the address! I jest, but the reality behind those words are very special, and it is wonderfully true.
Above all else, I can confidently say that Hazel has gone to be with Jesus.

I have no doubt that she enjoyed her welcome!

Goff